Gender differences in psychosocial complexity for a cohort of adolescents attending youth-specific substance abuse services

Little research has examined gender differences in the characteristics of young people attending alcohol and other drug (AOD) services. Several studies have found differences suggesting that young women sometimes present with greater severity of substance use and with greater psychosocial complexity, but there is inconsistency in these findings. Research is needed with larger samples to better understand the circumstances in which the experiences and needs of young women may differ from those of young men. This study reports results of a census of clients (N = 1,000)attending youth-specific alcohol and other drug (AOD)services in the state of Victoria, Australia.